Japan Air Commuter starts operations with ATR

Japan Air Commuter (JAC) has performed its first ATR 42-600 flight on April 26. JAC’s flight 3741 departed from Kagoshima at 8:50 am (local time) for a 40-minute flight to Yakushima. The aircraft then performed three flights, from Yakushima to Kagoshima, from Kagoshima to Okinoerabu, and back to Kagoshima. A subsidiary of Japan Airlines, national flag carrier, JAC therefore becomes a new ATR operator. The entry into service of JAC’s first ATR is a major milestone for ATR, for which Japan is a key market. Japan is preparing for a huge influx of tourists. Its government hopes to welcome 40 million visitors by 2020. In addition to hosting major events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympic Games in 2020, Japan is promoting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of its regions.